Foodstuff.

Book Shows Off The Bounty Of The Heartland

The Heartland Food Society was formed in 1987 by a group of dedicated food writers, cooks and producers to promote the indigenous foodstuffs and cooking styles of the Midwest.

To carry on that theme, Barbara Grunes, one of the founders, wrote the "Heartland Food Society Cookbook" (Cole Group, $12.95). This attractive paperback features more than 140 new and traditional recipes showcasing the lore and bounty of Midwest cuisine.

She includes classics such as planked whitefish with mashed potatoes, pan-fried smelt, duck with cranberries, corn fritters and tart cherry pie, as well as some newer favorites: Chicago-style pizza, Eli's pumpkin cheesecake and persimmon mousse.

Grunes, a Glencoe-based author of more than 40 cookbooks, also includes recipes from talented Midwest cooks: game sausage with smoked apples from Peter George of Peter's Restaurant in Indianapolis, tiramisu from the Auricchio family, a Green Bay, Wis., cheese-making family, and a mixed grill dinner with maple glazed onions from Harlan Peterson of Tapawingo restaurant in Ellsworth, Mich.